Postoperative pain control

August 14th, 2013

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Percocet and Vicodin are typically prescribed for these procedures. I also use a medication intraoperatively called Exparel. This is a long acting local anesthetic which has been great in reducing pain at the incision lines. Many patients have not needed pain pills following surgery with this. Your surgeon may have access to this medication which maylower your dependence pill medications.

Pain medication is generally not very expensive.

August 12th, 2013

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If narcotics are required for pain relief generics work well. Hydrocodone is a good choice. Their value can be enhanced by other pain medication such as acetaminophen or some of the anti-inflammatories.

Tummy Tuck Pictures

Pain medication after tummy tuck

August 5th, 2013

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Most plastic surgeons use either Percocet, Vicodin or Tylenol with Codeine after surgery in addition to possibly Valium for muscle relaxation. These all have generics and are quite inexpensive. I agree with Dr. Shuster however, I use an excellent albeit expensive local anesthesia called Exparel in the operating room which has dramatically decreased the amount of pain in the first three days after surgery. Most patients do not require any narcotic medications after this.

Medication cost minor compared to surgical costs

August 4th, 2013

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If you are paying for a tummy tuck and inner thigh lift including the surgical fee operating room fees and the Anesthesiologist's fee, why are you concerned over medication cost. The pain meds for the most part are generic and minimal.

All of my patients are administered a new injectable drug called Exparel which lasts 72-96 hours and has cut down on pain med use almost 75%. It is a slow release drug which your surgeon must use properly. The cost runs about 400.00, but every patient has said it is well worth it!

Pain Medication after Tummy Tuck

August 3rd, 2013

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Have the generic medications acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) if approved by your surgeon. Generic narcotics such as hydrocodone and oxycodone are typically recommended for the first few days after surgery.

Cost of meds

August 3rd, 2013

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I agree with Dr. Hughes that the cost of medication is going to very small compared to the cost of the surgical procedures you are having. In addition I would consider going to a surgeon who enrolls patients in a program such as cosmetassure to cover you postoperatively in case of a significant complication. Best of luck!

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a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.